




Book _i£l..3. I ASL S L 

I *40 

COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT 
















































































































^Vista ( ^kroLL(jk 


SELECTED POEMS 


by 

. opal hemler 

" M 


FIRST EDITION LIMITED 


Southwest Press 


DALLAS. TEXAS 


fSsSis 

,£373Vt 

in° 


Copyright, 1940 
Opal Hemler 


&ciA 


14381 6 


received 

MG 1 91940 

CQPXkIQHT office 


My Two Sons 
Frank Tafe Hemler 
and 

Glenn O. Glauser 









































ACKNOWLEDGMENT 


For gracious permission to reprint a number of the 
following poems the author wishes to thank the Cleve¬ 
land Plain Dealer, The Packer Magazine, Bagology, 
The Capper Publications, Cleveland News, East Cleve¬ 
land Signal, The Poetry Forum, Ohio Delphian 
Clarion, The Exposition Press, and the International 
News Service. 











































CONTENTS 

PAGE 

Vista Through_ 1 

My Boys_ 2 

Punctuation_ 3 

Outline__ 4 

A Lament___ 4 

Lullaby House___,_ 5 

Plea To Poetry___ 5 

Imagination _ 6 

The Eternal Triangle_ 7 

Ego _____--- 8 

To a Dictionary_ 9 

Woodland Fern_ 10 

Gypsy Gold_11 

Windows ___ 12 

The Stock Exchange_ 13 

South-Wind is a Fisherman_ 14 

You Call it Love? __15, 16 

Christmas Quest _ 17 

Yesterday's Christmas Tree_18 

In April_ 19 

All Comes to Them That Wait_ 20 

Acquitted_ 21 

The Wind Song _ 22 

Morning_ 23 

Modernism _ 24 

March__ 24 

Time___ 25 

The Parting- 26, 27 

Without Flowers_ 27 

Vacation_ 28 

The Artist_ 28 

The Toy Balloon_ 29 

Summer Sands-30 

Scarlet Fabric-31 

The Prisoner_3 2 

Two Artists- 33 

Out in Lonely Places-34 

On the Street Car-35, 36 

Hospitality_36 

Under The Hanging Lamp-37 

Brides-38 

To My Mistress_39, 40 

A Lift_40 

Sales Tax_41 

VII 
























































































Oranges - 

Song of Onions___ 

Poem to Potatoes_ 

Banana Ballad_ 

The Wind ™ZZZZ"!ZZIZZIZZIZZZZ_J 

Iambic Way _ 

The Way Down to the Corner Store_ 

Light - 

Caverns_ 

My Little Spotted Kitten _52, 

To Birds___ 

In Memory_ 

Confidential Moon _ 

New Year's Day_ 

Within the Heart of Mountains_58, 

Your Promise _ 

Seasonable_ 

Races_61, 

Mother Autumn _-___ 

Foursome of Bridge_;_ 

Jealously_ 

Zenith _ 

The Isle of Delight_ 

Disappointment_ 

In a Taxicab _ 

Pests--- 

The Flu _ 


Flower Fantasy _72, 

Is Living Worth the While? _ 

The Fisherman-74, 

Sonnet—Contentment _ 

The Doctor_76, 

Childhood Magic _78, 


The Rainbow _ 

Boy Heart_ 

Cinquains _ 

(Red Moon; Indian Summer! Twilight) 

Fate _ 

Afterwards _ 

Down a Summer Highway_ 

Growth of Music _ 

Across the Water_ 

The Final Decision _ 

To Judith _ 

Weariness ___ 


42 

43 

44 

45 
47 

47 

48 

48 

49 

50 

50 

51 
51 
53 

53 

54 

55 

56 

57 
59 

59 

60 
62 

63 

64 

65 

66 

67 

68 

69 

70 

71 
73 
73 
75 
75 
77 
79 

79 

80 
81 

82 

83 

84 

85 

86 
86 

87 

88 


VIII 


































































VISTA-THROUGH 

There is no day so laden 
With grief and heartache too 
But somewhere in its measure 
It holds a Vista-Through 

For clouds are ever shifting 
In a dome of clearest blue 
And soon will be revealing 
Heaven to earth in Vista Through 

Though it gleams but for a moment 
Yet it lifts our faith anew 
To a plane of Understanding 
Love—that is the Vista-Through. 


- 1 - 


MY BOYS 


I count those years the richest 
That I have ever known 
Through which you chubby children 
Have to prideful manhood grown 

Pm sure Pll never lose you 
Mem’ry brings you back again 
My solemn dark-eyed Frankie 
And my merry blue-eyed Glenn. 

Your hands are filled with talents 
Your eyes are filled with dreams 
Your minds are ever questing 
Source of earth and sky and stream 

You have brought me none of sorrow 
You have quickened all my joys 
And I pray in God’s tomorrow 
I will still be near—My Boys. 


-2- 


PUNCTUATION 

I have some new ideas 
Of original creation 
But Pm afraid to write them 
For fear of punctuation 

I choose a heavy sentence 
The one I hang my soul on 
Then somewhere in its structure 
It needs a semicolon 

I hate the pesky comma 
It does not seem to function 
To show my shade of meaning 
Instead of a conjunction 

I think I know the period 
And yet at times I doubt it 
Since I hate punctuation 
I write my thoughts without it 


-3- 


OUTLINE 


Morn-born 

Colic-frolic 

School and pedantry 

Love-kisses 

Miss-Mrs. 

Children 1, 2, 3. 

Hurry—scurry 

Eat—Worry 

Sleep and make the bed 

Sick.—Cure? 

Not sure. 

Evening—I am dead. 


A LAMENT 

A shining slice of Heaven 
Was served me on a tray 
It was old man Fate who cut it 
From out the milky way. 

But I was on a diet 
Of conventional unleaven, 

I never should have eaten 
That tempting bit of Heaven 
I saw the starry raisins 
Frosting of angel’s song 
I paid with indigestion, 

I had eaten dust too long. 


-4- 


LULLABY HOUSE 


The evening skies are barred with gold, 
While every window gleams 
And every little house of love 
Hangs out its shining dreams. 

Within this mystic afterglow 
The little town is fair. 

The streets are paved with amber-stone, 
There’s beauty everywhere. 

But I am just a lonely soul 
Who looks with longing eyes 
Upon your little house of dreams 
Attuned to lullabies. 


PLEA TO POETRY 

Poetry, I hear your siren call 
In dreaming, I have seen your loveliness 
I broke the chains that held me in their thrall 
And bleeding, come to you for your caress 
Your hair, as I imagined, gleams with gold 
Your mystic eyes are luminous but cold 
They banish me. Your gifts which I entreat 
Denied me, I lie fainting at your feet. 


-5 - 


IMAGINATION 


Imagination is a magic wand 

That in our childhood days is tipped with stars 

And in a fairy land leads us beyond 

The commonplace to wave away the bars. 

All mysteries unto its will must bend 
It guides us to the land of “Let’s Pretend.” 

Imagination is a cruel master 
When backs are weak from toil and feet are lame 
He goads us, merciless, to work the faster 
And flogs us into torment, into shame. 

He shackles us with fear and degradation 
We are poor slaves to this imagination. 

Imagination is a silver arrow 
That flies from tautened bow string of the mind 
A shaft of light, so strong, so lithe and narrow 
Defying space, diviner realms to find. 

Our thoughts to follow it must soar 
Through every bondage, free for evermore. 

Imagination is a spirit breath 

That whispers “all impossible is true” 

It rends the mysticism we call death 
To life, it gives a meaning ever new. 

The key is mine to open all creation 
As long as I can know imagination. 


-6- 


THE ETERNAL TRIANGLE 

O, little fat God we call Cupid, 

You fly from your heavenly throne; 

You fan into flame with your bellows 
The hearts that you should let alone. 

The sleek little hearts of us mortals 
Unconscious, they lie at your feet; 
Unmindful are they of the power 
Of love that is bitter and sweet. 

Then why do you blow into passion 
The spark that is smouldering there? 

You leave in your own God-like fashion, 
Not once do you ponder or care, 

That when you have started the fire, 
Conventions will soon stamp it out 
And leave but the cold and grey ashes 
For cruel winds to scatter about. 

They never again can be living 
So please, little Cupid, count seven 
Before you bestow upon mortals 
That flame which belongs up in heaven. 


-7- 


EGO 


Astraea—the Goddess of Justice 
Will weigh in her golden pan 
A million million atoms 
To make the weight of man 

So we feel quite important 
To know how great we are 
But should she change the atoms 
To weigh a single star 

Ten thousand million million 
Of men—and many more 
She needs to keep the balance 
As even as before. 

Then think of countless million 
Of stars, in the milky way 
And know we cannot see them 
As they are placed today 

But only in formation 
Of a million years ago 
For centuries to planets 
Is time too short to know. 

If you would keep your ego 
And save it from a jar 
Then compare yourself with atoms 
But never with a star. 


-8- 


TO A DICTIONARY 


Words and words that bud and bloom 
Delicate with rare perfume 
Bringing joy and understanding 
Flights of fancy, happy landing 
Bitter words that sear and scar 
Common words that soil and mar 
Mystic words of secret healing 
Maudlin words that go a-reeling 
Silly words of child and fool 
Smart young words all dressed for school 
Loving words to fill a need 
Wistful words that yearn and plead. 
Slangy words from out the sod 
Words of Faith to tell of God. 

Words of every kind and age 
Here I find you, page on page. 


-9- 


WOODLAND FERN 

Oh Woodland fern I wonder 
How many two times two 
Were multiplied and added 
To make this perfect you. 

For airy leaves too tiny 
For human eyes to see, 

Are placed in line correctly 
To make your symmetry. 

Yet I, of little wisdom, 

I fail to understand 

And dare to doubt the purpose 

Of that great guiding hand, 

Which fashions your perfection 
Because you yield your will. 
Your silent faith is bidding 
My weakened doubts be still. 


- 10- 


GYPSY GOLD 


Gypsy Gold will come to me 
If I dance and sing 
Wear a poppy in my hair 
Radiant with Spring 

Do I please you, handsome lad, 

With your gold rewarding? 

There is lovelight in your eyes 
All my charm recording 

Gypsy gold is hard to keep 
Slipping through my fingers 
When my hair is streaked with gray 
Youth no longer lingers 

When the open road is cold 
And my wild desire grows tame 
I will trade your gypsy gold 
For your hearth-stone and your name 


- 11 - 


WINDOWS 


I like to gaze at windows 
And weave my dreams about 
The folks who passing by, look in 
The home folks looking out. 

I like these cozy windows 
Where baby finger prints 
Have left fantastic patterns 
All framed in cheery chintz. 

In spring they show a lacy frill 
That flutters in the breeze 
And lures the fragrant blossoms 
Upon the budding trees. 

Windows are the eyes of home 
Sometimes with shades drawn low 
They slumber in dull vacancy 
And dream of long ago. 

At times they close their eyes to grieve 
On some cold dreary dawn 
For one whose smile still lingers there 
Beloved life—that’s gone. 

And then again at Christmas time 
With wreaths that speak of cheer 
They sparkle forth in crimson light 
To greet a glad New Year. 


- 12- 


THE STOCK EXCHANGE 


I went into a Stock Exchange 
I felt so dizzy-like and strange 
For figures most grotesque 
Paraded on the blackboard 1 walls, 
Cascaded in the spacious halls 
And danced on every desk. 

They made me want to run away 
Yet some attraction made me stay 
Like rising rosy vapors 
I took my savings from my sock 
Invested in some common stock 
And now, I read the papers. 

In thrills I get my money’s worth 
I do not read of deaths or birth, 

I get some great sensations— 

If prices drop, I get a shock 

But Gosh! —It’s fun to watch my stock 

In New York Stock Quotations. 


- 13 - 


SOUTH-WIND IS A FISHERMAN 


The South-wind is a fisherman 
Who sails away at ease, 

Among the foamy waves of clouds 
Above the swaying trees. 

He casts his net of Springtime leaves 

Into the silver stream 

Of molten moonlight everywhere. 

He fishes for a dream. 

The South-wind is a lazy man 
He wearies of the deep, 

And when the little dream was caught 
The South-wind was asleep. 

It tossed and writhed within the net, 

It sparkled like the frost, 

And while the South-wind lay asleep, 
The little dream was lost. 

It swims so freely past the moon 
On flashing silver fin, 

Nor fears the net of Springtime leaves 
When moonlight nights begin. 


- 14 - 


YOU CALL IT LOVE? 


You call it Love, that lets you place another passion 
first? 

You have not known the pain of Love, that agony of 
thirst 

Which drags a soul through burning sands of torture 
to its stream, 

Then fading in a mirage, leaves it writhing in the 
dream. 

You call it Love when skies are fair and every happy 
chance 

Is right? You often but mistake for Love her sisterly 
romance. 

Her puny twin who only lives in bright and sunny 
form, 

Who prates of Love’s Eternity, then perishes in storm. 

But Love is made of Godly stuff, her shining golden 
hours, 

She dares to take from Paradise with her immortal 
powers. 

At Battle’s Front she boldly views the gory patch of 
Hell, 

She guided pens of History when kingdoms rose and 
fell. 


- 15 - 


And for the siren song that ever lingers on her breath, 

We come in chains of slavery, so near to life and death. 

Our mortal eyes are much too weak to see her glory 
long, 

We fain would die in rhythm to the singing of her 
song. 

You call it Love that waits through time until the hour 
is late? 

Until the song of Love has changed into a chant of 
hate. 

Until her Godliness is gone and all her ways are tame, 

You call it Love—I think you’re wrong—It has an¬ 
other name. 


- 16 - 


CHRISTMAS QUEST 


Over the rim of the rainbow 
Seeking the treasure of gold 
Knowing a wonderful secret 
Lies in its challis-hold 

Praying for hatred to vanish 
Clamor and warfare to cease 
Where nations lie bleeding and ravished 
Forgetting the dear Prince of Peace. 

Let the whole world pause a moment 
Lifting its voices to sing 
Carols of joy for the birthday 
Of the mighty yet gentlest King. 

Over the rim of the rainbow 
Into the realm of the stars 
Love is the treasure we’re seeking 
And Peace is its radiant bars. 


- 17- 


YESTERDAY’S CHRISTMAS TREE 


I lie in the grey of the snow and the rain 
Lamenting my anguish of woe and of pain. 

For yesterday’s joy brings me sadness today 
And yesterday knew me as youthful and gay. 

I stood in the pride of my forestry green, 

I glittered and shone in the silvery sheen 

Of tinsel and baubles and angel wings 

And under my boughs were your Christmasy things. 

I stood in your home and I knew of the joy 
Of a sunny haired- girl and a fat little boy 
Whose eyes were as bright as the first April flowers, 

I cherish the memories left by those hours. 

My strength will ebb slowly that now should be high. 
Dethroned, and forgotten, with rubbish I lie 
Yet I, who have shared of your Holiday cheer, 

Can go unto elements knowing no fear. 

I lie in the grey of the vanishing snow 

Who only a very short season ago 

Was festive and gay, but today, as you see, 

I’m only a yesterday’s sad Christmas tree. 


- 18 - 


IN APRIL 

Our dream boat was loosed from its ice-bounden 
plight 

It rushed down the stream in its silvery flight 
While velvety winds sped us on to delight 
In April; 

Petals of blossoms were bourne on the breeze 
Love notes of birds from the far away trees 
Moonlight closed in on us, never said “please” 
In April 

Even the stars seemed so restless in space 
Nothing familiar and nothing in place 
Only the moonlight that shone on your face 
In April 

Are we to blame if we did not think twice 
Of older and wiser ones giving advice? 

Not when we’re sailing to Moon Paradise 
In April. 


- 19- 


ALL COMES TO THEM THAT WAIT 

The cat just sat on the mat and slept 
When he should be out to catch; 

The mouse with a louse through the house he crept 
To find somewhere to scratch. 

He snatched and scratched at louse who hatched 
Beside a steely trap. 

’Twas ease to tease, he smelled the cheese 
And nibbled it, when SNAP! 

He bit-it lit—’twas the end of it, 

Mouse and louse were wrecks. 

The cat that sat on the mat at that 
He ate the tails from the necks. 

All Hail! don’t fail to heed this tale 
And learn to hesitate. 

The trend, my friend, is in the end, 

All comes to them that wait. 


-20- 


ACQUITTED 


Pd like to be a gypsy maid 
With coal black hair and eyes 
To wander ever fearlessly 
Beneath these changing skies. 

Pd like to go a gypsying 
Upon a wild free way. 

To sleep beneath the stars at night 
And sun myself by day. 

Pd like to go with you, my love, 
From all conventions free, 

For Oh! I want so very much 
To know you love but me. 

Pd like to have the gypsy gift 
Your future life to see— 

But I would never want to find 
Another love than me. 

For then, were I a gypsy maid 
And finding you untrue, 

Pd draw my bright stiletto forth 
And pierce the heart of you. 

Then I should die of sorrow 
And we would both be dead, 

And so, perhaps it’s just as well 
That Pm a blonde instead. 


-21 - 


THE WIND SONG 


The waves of wind are breaking 
Upon the bending trees, 

A thread of moon above them 
A roar of many seas. 

The song I hear is ruthless. 

The naked trees are truth. 

The wind is ever tearing 
My joyousness and youth. 

The song my lips had fashioned 
The wind has blown away. 

My soul would follow after 
Conventions bid mie stay. 

For you, who love another, 

Pm sure you never knew 

That caught within the wind-song 

Is one I sang for you. 


-22- 


MORNING 


Morning comes, a graceful Spanish maiden 
With brilliant fan unfolded at her breast 

Her white mantilla with the dew is laden, 

Her dancing feet are tapping their unrest. 

She banishes the shades with queenly gesture 
And like a tyrant, bids them bind their loins, 

Then from a silken pocket in her vesture 
She tosses to the world her golden coins. 

Each shining bit has hope and promise in it, 
And peace and gladness to the weary soul. 

Be careful how you spend each golden minute 
For wasted ones she will exact a toll. 

Then lift your eyes from yesterday’s regretting, 
And let your song of praises fill the sky 

With joyful birds, that carol their forgetting 
Of sadness, when the morning dances by. 


-23- 


MODERNISM 


Our lives are growing more complex 
With every day, and hence 
We talk psychology and sex 
But little common sense. 

We draw in angles and in cubes 
We call it modern art, 

But blend for me from color tubes 
The scenes that rest my heart. 

We change our husbands and wives 
With loyalty forgot, 

We complicate our simple lives 
With modernistic rot. 


MARCH 

March is the spirit dance of Spring, 

Like a weird wild witch, she has her fling, 
A scarf of sunshine at her throat. 

A siren wind, a robin’s note, 

A bit of snow on a bluebird’s wing. 

March is the spirit dance of Spring. 


-24- 


TIME 


Today, you say, will be the same as yesterday 
And yet 

How many times the flaming sun has crossed 
The sky and set 

How many signs have been inscribed on 
Mem’ry’s obelisk 

And often times the young moon grew into a 
Silver disk, 

To fade again to nothingness and leave a 
Starlit train 

The trees have bloomed and borne their fruit 
Within the summer rain. 

And now they shed their leaves beneath the 
First cold touch of frost 

So much of joy of life we’ve found—So very 
Much we’ve lost. 

Today, you say, will be the same as yesterday 
And yet 

It is a long, long time, my dear, since you 
And I have met. 


-25- 


THE PARTING 


Ah! we had lived together years 
Shared all our happiness and fears 
We climbed together to the mountain top 
And when I could afford a drink 
If you will only stop to think 
I shared it with you, every single drop. 

And then I met a clever man 
Who had a dark and fateful plan 
And told me such a tale of baleful woe 
With all his oily-tongued seduction 
That you would cause me my destruction 
And made me promise I would let you go. 

Now as I sat there weak but willing 
With all my spinal chord a-chilling 
I should have known it would be hard to part 
From friend so very deeply rooted 
Within my life so firmly footed 
To state a fact, it almost broke my heart 

Well then his plan met with success 

And I sank back in weariness 

When you were gone and I was left to howl 

For when you really left my face 

You left a sore and aching place 

And one small Hell a-raging in my jowl. 


-26- 


So now I hope he’s satisfied 
That part of me has surely died 
That you put up resistance, is the truth 
There is an awful lot of swelling 
That villian Dentist now is telling 
That I have parted from you— 

Wisdom Tooth. 


WITHOUT FLOWERS 

Can you think of a flowerless earth 
Where green things could grow but for duty 
With never a bold, scarlet poppie 
Flambuoyantly blooming for beauty? 

Can you picture a blossomless Spring 
Though fruits, with the Fall, follow after? 
’Twould be such a dull solemn thing 
For blossoms are trees’ merry laughter, 

With never the joy of the Lilacs 
Nor Hope that the field-lilies bring. 

Oh, the sky could give its oration 
But the Earth would forget how to sing. 


-27- 


VACATION 


Out on the road when the day is hot, 

Trying to get somewhere you’re not. 

Hungry and tired and covered with dust 
Vacation time and vacate we must; 

Eat when you can from a can—and you pay 
Twice what would feed you at home for a day 
It’s odd! 

Back on the porch it’s shady and cool 
Bath tub as good as a swimming pool, 

Restful old slippers, a robe and a pipe, 

Garden of vegetables—fruit that is ripe. 

Glad when I get there, my recreation 
Will be just to rest from this doggone vacation 
Thank God! 


THE ARTIST 

The artist is a laborer, who asks 
No recompense except the joy of tasks 
And though the toil be arduous and long 
He does it to the rhymic lilt of song 
A siren tune, that lures from out his heart 
A vital spark and drops it in each part 
And when the work is finished from his hands 
And on a pedestal of beauty stands 
The world will pay its tribute to the art 
Of skillful hands that fashion from the heart. 


-28- 


THE TOY BALLOON 


Now Junior’s toy balloon was red, 
So gay it was and airy. 

It danced upon its length of cord 
As lightly as a fairy. 

And Sonny liked the toy balloon 
Nor cared to be without it, 

But since its insides were of gas 
It got puffed up about it. 

Ambition over-powered it; 

It had no sense of duty: 

It pulled and tugged to fly away 
And know etheral beauty. 

At last, when Junior just forgot 
It jumped from out his hand 

And like a homing pigeon freed 
It left our earthly land. 

It floated ever toward the sky 
On wings of winds it flew 

’Till mortal eyes could see no more 
That speck of red, in blue. 

How far it went we never knew 
Perhaps where angels pass 

And laugh to see a tiny thing 
That’s only filled with gas. 


-29- 


SUMMER SANDS 


Down on the fine soft sand I lie 
And I gaze at the deep deep blue 
Of an oval sky where clouds pass by 
Like misty dreams of you. 

My thoughts are lazy, hazy 

With an ecstasy divine 

For in seeming—you are dreaming 

Dreams that blend themselves with mine. 

The sands run through my fingers 
In a little fickle stream 
I wonder if as short as that 
Will be my lovely dream. 

For sands are mighty flighty 
They never seem to stay 
In shape or form you’ve left them 
But change from day to day. 

All yesterday’s impressions 
You cannot find today 
Because a wave has lured them 
They forgot and ran away. 

What is your plan, Oh fickle man, 

To think of me for aye? 

Or will I soon—with changing moon 
Be a thought of yesterday? 


-30- 


SCARLET FABRIC 

Dearest—The night in sombre robes 
On star bejeweled loom 
Has woven scarlet fabric 
From poppies fallen bloom. 

From spray of blue-green waters 
From purple passioned wind, 

She wrought an opal border 
With shaft of moonlight lined. 

To spread upon lover’s couch 
It has a mystic charm. 

This morning I have found it, 

She dropped it from her arm. 

Where baby feet of dawning 
Leave imprints on the dew, 

I found a cloth of scarlet 
To spread and wait for you. 


-31 - 


THE PRISONER 


A katy-did was lost one night 
Within my room, yet out of sight. 

It hid within the curtain’s fringe 
And made a noise like rusted hinge. 

A throbbing chirp so shrill and high 
I could not sleep nor shut an eye. 

I sought the insect all around 
But katy-dids are mostly sound. 

I traced it where it should be seen 
And found the tiny bug of green. 

I would have killed it, but it sung 
A song of cheery hope, and young. 

I thought of summer speeding by. 

I thought of winter’s steely sky 
When all the tiny things are still. 

I freed it at my window sill. 

The outdoors chorus took on heart 
For one more obligato part. 

And all my dreams were made more bright 
Because, somewhere within the night 

It sang its song on living breath 
Instead of lying stilled in death. 

A katy-did’s a little thing 
But did you ever hear it sing? 


-32- 


TWO ARTISTS 


The dawn’s a gay young artist 
With a jaunty red beret, 

With a velvet coat of purple 
And a flowing tie of gray. 

He paints with daring colors 
Of a modernistic school, 

In most fantastic patterns 
He casts aside each rule. 

The song he sings is merry, 

It echoes from the hills, 

’Til sleeping birds awaken 
To join its lilting trills. 

The evening comes more gently, 
On tripod sits at ease 
With care selecting colors, 

To tint the skies and seas. 

She knows the lure of settings, 
She dulls the twilight bars, 
Before she paints the glory 
Of her countless million stars. 

The lullabye she’s crooning 
In minor key so deep, 

The birds that meant to sing it 
Forget the tune in sleep. 


-33- 


OUT IN LONELY PLACES 


Out in lonely places 
Down in the moon’s clear way, 
Lovely little flowers 
Decorate the day. 

Turning baby petals 
Upward to the sky 
Bearing tiny traces 
Of life that’s passing by. 

Dropping with the night time, 
Falling part from part, 

Adding to the future 
Seeds from out the heart. 

Out in lonely places 
Kingdoms rise and fall 5 
Life and Death are struggling, 
To start or end it all. 

Out in lonely places 
Let me sit and rest— 

Let me dream and ponder 
Thoughts I love the best. 

Out in lonely places 

Let my last sleep be 

Just a little nearer 

God, whose thought was—me. 


-34- 


ON THE STREET CAR 


I like to ride on street cars 
Where people sit close by. 

I like to dream about them 
Just where and when and why? 


Today I saw a lady 
As sweet as you could find. 

I thought that God had fashioned 
Her face to suit her mind. 


But when I chatted with her 
I found her soul was small 
And filled with spite and malice 
Not like her face at all. 


I saw a gruff old party 
With smile like quinine pills, 
I thought he must be ailing 
With many different ills. 


He growled at the conductor, 
He glowered left and right, 

I pictured him a scoundrel, 
Perhaps a thief by night. 


But soon—when I was leaving 
And found to my despair 
I had forgotten money 
With which to pay my fare. 


-35- 


Then he made haste to help me 
His voice was very kind 
And as I turned to thank him 
Again I changed my mind. 

I like to ride on street cars 
But not read people’s faces, 

For God in His great wisdom 
Distributed His graces. 

Now some He marked with beauty 
And some have grace unseen 
Since I cannot distinguish 
I read a magazine. 


HOSPITALITY 

Hospitality is more 
Than just an invitation 
It is an incense rich and rare 
Of spiritual creation. 

It rises from the plant of Love 
And all its lovely graces 
Is found in sincere kindliness 
In high or lowly places. 

It clings to friendly handclasps 
And radiates a smile. 

I found true hospitality 
At your house all the while. 


-36- 


UNDER THE HANGING LAMP 


The hanging lamp was rosy-hued with thumb-print in¬ 
dentations 

The crystal drops would clink like ice when moving in 
gyrations 

My corseting was much too tight, but such was woman’s 
life 

We ate a red-cheeked apple and pared it with a knife. 

We talked about the festival, the cake I meant to bake 

We looked the family album through and smiled for 
young love’s sake 

Oh things were very different in that time of long ago 

We sort of got acquainted in the lamplight’s mellow 
glow 

His kiss was no less ardent that sealed our vows to wed 

Excepting that we really meant those words of faith 
we said 

To live together always until Death forced us to part 

It may have been old fashioned but somehow at the 
start 

Of that new home was permancy and faith in God and 
so 

I’m glad your pa he courted me a long, long time ago. 


-37- 


BRIDES 


While night blooms into morning 
While the moon still wooes the tide 
There will be June and roses 
And a young and slender bride, 

Moving down the stairway 
With her smiling grace 
Mother’s gown of satin 
Veil of Heirloom lace, 

Standing in a garden 
Loveliness beside 
All the flowers attendant 
On the radiant bride. 

Surely up in Heaven 

By the golden stair 

Will be a rainbow altar 

For Bride and Bridegroom there. 

Wars and creeds of hatred 
With greed may rampant ride 
But June will bring the roses 
And its young and lovely bride. 


- 38 - 


TO MY MISTRESS 


She was built for my own pleasure 
Every curve was beauty’s own 
And she was my dearest treasure 
Many joys we two have known. 


No, of course she wasn’t frigid, 
But she had a kindly heart 
She could not remain a virigin 
She held fire from the start. 


She was dusky-hued and torrid 
Every line was meant to please 
And she brought me relaxation 
With delightful hours of ease. 


Many jokes we shared together 
Under southern cross or far 
Where the northern winds were blowing 
Underneath the northern star. 


We have traveled east to China 
Yes—you haughty dames, and then 
We have there been found together 
In some shameful opium den. 


We have been to far Alaska 
Where amid the Northern lights 
We have shivered through the daytime 
And have huddled close at nights. 


- 39 - 


Through the world we went together 
Over mountains, rich in scenes 
From the land of Celtic races 
To the glowing Phillipines. 

With the years she grows more mellow 
And new beauties she acquires 
When I press my lips upon her 
I still sense those ancient fires. 

Though her figure’s somewhat broken, 
She’s a little overripe. 

But ’Til my last word is spoken 
I shall love her—MY OLD PIPE. 


A LIFT 

Life is a bicycle—Fate the rider 
It winds its way through the stars 
And somewhere there he picked me up 
To ride on the handle bars. 

I hold on tight—with all my might 
Lest I fall to the great unknown 
So through the stars—on the handle bars 
I ride—with Fate alone. 


- 40 - 


SALES TAX 


The breeze is taxed with many scents 
The sun is taxed with gold 
The moon is taxed with silver 
And when the leaves unfold 

They will be taxed with green-backs 
I am taxation mad 
Where is the poetry and song 
That yesterday I had? 

A penny here, two pennies there 
How can I be relaxed 
When every thing I eat or wear 
Is high in price and taxed? 

I pay to live—I fear to die 
So here I am and here am I 
For Heaven’s gate may not be free 
Perhaps they charge admission fee 
I think I’ll go upon the dole 
And pay the tax upon my soul. 


-41 - 


ORANGES 


Oranges, the shade of the sunset, 

Blended with gold of the noon. 

Oranges with sweetness of honey 
Gathered from flowers of June. 

Oranges, with tang of October, 

Hold in their transparent cells 
Wine, that is gathered from Heaven, 
Drawn from those balnt-giving wells. 

Back in the Garden of Eden 
All was so gloriously fair, 

Eve should have passed up the apple 
When oranges were ripening there. 

Apples caused shame and regretting 
So oranges were cheap at a price. 

Had Adam and Eve lived on orange juice 
Our home would be still Paradise. 


- 42 - 


SONG OF ONIONS 

Carrots get by on their color, 
Spinach gets by on its rep. 

Lettuce or beet for vitamines eat 
But give me the onions for pep. 

Silver skinned onions or Spanish 
Or little ones, green on the top 
They build up physique, make you 
strong where you’re weak 
But socially cause you to flop. 

For even the mildest Bermuda 
Cannot be forgotten when gone 
It is not erratic, but very emphatic 
Its melody will linger on. 


-43- 


POEM TO POTATOES 


The Irish call them “pradies” 
The Germans call them “spuds” 
The French dress our “potatoes” 
In frilly sort of duds. 

Like cheese to make “au gratin” 
“French fry” in lard—or mash 
Or like the English bake them 
Into a corn beef hash. 

Just any way you like them 
They keep you well and sound 
The many-eyed potato 
Is strengthened by the ground. 

Your diet may be spinach 
If you want to be thin 
But give to me potatoes 
When I am out to win. 

So eat potatoes from Peru 
Fixed in a foreign style 
And if you gain an extra pound 
Just exercise and smile. 


-44- 


BANANA BALLAD 


You speak of the virtues of oranges 
The nutriment found in the pear, 

But when you are talking “Bananas” 

No fruit ever grown, can compare. 

You sing me a song about apples 

“In the shade of the old apple tree” 
But sing of the yellow banana 
And then you can yodel for me. 

For down in the tropical forests 
Where born on a great leafy breast, 
Bananas are ripened in sunshine 
And given the richest and best. 

They bring us the strength of the tropics 
They give us the Vitamine “D.” 
Delicious, nutritious and wholesome 
They’re growing for you and for me. 

So sing about cherries and berries 
But I am a “hard-hearted Hannah” 

I want all my pep and my iron 
As found in the luscious Banana. 

Bananas, Bananas, Bananas, 

For Basses and Lyric Sopranas, 

They give you your verve 
They build up your nerve; 

So try this upon your pianas. 


-45 - 


AN APPLE 


O, The wonder of an apple 
Every mortal on this earth 
Should be mindful of its value 
From the first day of his birth. 


For an apple caused his mother 
Pain, when he was born it’s said 
And an apple caused his father 
Sweat of brow to earn his bread. 


For his great grand-sire, Adam, 
Back in Eden’s garden fair 
Ate the first forbidden apple 
And the trouble started there. 


’Course he blamed it on the woman 
And because she had the brains 
To secure and taste the apple 
He got work and she got pains. 

But perhaps the apple’s worth it 
For most any tree I’d climb 
Just to get a rosy apple 
When it’s ripe at Harvest time. 


With its appetizing fragrance 
And its ruddy glow at night 
When within a dish reposing 
It reflects the firelight. 


-46- 


When its spicy flavored juices 
We extract in cider press 
And pour out an amber nectar 
Fit for Gods in tastiness. 

When we sip that cooling sweetness 
In the bleak and wintry season. 

We must be a bit forgiving 
Mother Eve sure had her reason. 

When it’s dark our Fate is seeming 
Skies of grey with sunbeams dapple, 
When we have the time for dreaming 
And the wonder of an apple 


THE WIND 

The wind is just an errand boy 
Who whistles as he goes his way 
His messages are pain and joy 
The wind is just an errand boy 
The world to him is like a toy 
To whirl around in play 
The wind is just an errand boy 
Who whistles as he goes his way. 


-47- 


IAMBIC WAY 


In May I write a triolet 

To trillium and violet 

A lyric to the rose I write in June 

July brings forth a ballad 

To a cool and crispy salad 

And August wins a sonnet to the moon. 

In Fall, if I remember right 
I sing of some September night 
When starlight dulls the brightness of 
the day 

No matter what the season 

I can always find a reason 

To write a rhyme in some iambic way. 


RONDELET 

Love is fond of masquerade 
Character of prince or devil, 
Love is fond of masquerade 
Often lures a man and maid 
Into sorrow, joy, or revel, 
Drags them down unto his level 
Love is fond of masquerade. 


-48 - 


THE WAY DOWN TO THE CORNER 
STORE 


The way down to the corner store 
Is very short, that’s true 
My mother says Pm gone so long 
She wonders what I do 

I take a walk around each tree 
To leave my tracks in snow 
And later when the warm rains come 
I watch the long worms grow 

They wriggle up between the stones 
And get so out of breath 
They cannot wriggle down again 
And shiver most to death 

And once a mother bird flew down 
And slyly winked at me 
Then pulled a long one from the ground 
That I could never see 

She dragged it out right by the head 
And took it to her bunch 
Of hungry little birds who had 
Worm sandwiches for lunch. 


-49- 


SEA SECRET 


Waves of Sea, You show your teeth 
In your moon-mad motion, 

Guarding coral caves beneath, 

Watch dogs of the ocean. 

Must you froth and foam like this, 
So that skies above 
May not know the buried bliss 
Of your secret Love? 


LIGHT 

The light comes in my window. 
White bandages of dawn 
Are bound about my throbbing pulse, 
For now the dark is gone. 

Throughout a night of waiting, 

A hopeless night of tears, 

Pve watched a struggling soul depart 
That hung between two spheres. 

The sunlight gilds my window. 

It melts away night’s bond. 

To me, it brings an empty day 
To her, the great beyond. 


-50- 


CAVERNS 


I’ve known these long dark caverns of the earth 
Where water, seeming dead, will rise to gain 
Its freedom, past its sombre funeral urn 
And send its stream through blackness 
Like a wraith. 

It carves grotesquely solid banks of stone 
In likeness to the things we have not seen 
And some in imagery of things we know 
Weird beauty trails where waters wander free. 


MOUNTAINS 

I’ve seen that high and lonely mountain peak 
Where earth’s ambition is to reach the sky 
But where all living things and earthly-like 
Must perish on the way and never see. 

The bare rocks etched in snow will rise alone 
To pierce the clouds, but at the will of time 
They too, will crumble back, for things divine 
Cannot be reached while we claim Earth our home. 


-51 - 


MY LITTLE SPOTTED KITTEN 


My little spotted kitten, 

With eyes no gems could match 
With grace a God might envy 
And little claws to scratch. 

My little spotted kitten, 

Pd like to know for true 
Why breath of life was given 
To a bit of fur like you? 

You groveled in your blindness, 
You stumbled on your way; 

’Til nature in her kindness 
Let in the light of day. 

You scrambled out your basket 
Your eyes were amber slits; 

You ran your course so catty 
And had your share of fits. 

And then you started playing— 
We laughed to see you there; 
But you were very naughty 
To scratch my leather chair. 

But one day you lay quiet 
And wistfully you cried; 

You looked for me to help you 
I couldn’t—so you died. 


-52- 


O little spotted kitten, 

Why did you breathe this air, 
When all you left behind you 
Are scratches on my chair? 

Like you, when life is ended 
And slipped into the past, 

I hope some one will find it— 
The scratch I’ve made to last. 


TO BIRDS 

Bits of song and brilliant feather 
Faring ever with the weather; 
Grey birds, birds of brilliant hue 
Spring has come to us with you. 
When your songs so light and free 
Fill the air with melody, 

When you’re busy with unrest 
Seeking mates and building nests, 
When you call to every seed, 
Then we know it’s Spring indeed. 
Little packages of cheer 
Wafted softly to us here; 
Thoughts of God to mortals given 
Making Earth a bit like Heaven. 
Grey birds—birds of brilliant hue, 
Spring has come to us with you. 


-53- 


AUTUMN 


Autumn is a pirate 
Cruel his every prank 
Those he takes as captives 
Soon must walk the plank 

Wintry seas await them 
While his cruel blade flashes 
Sun and frost are woven 
In his gaudy sashes 

Skull and cross-bones gleaming, 
In his fiendish glee 
He slays little creatures, 
Butterfly and bee. 

Hardy blooms survive him 
Steadfast in their places 
But he robs their beauty 
Leaves them dirty faces 

Alright!—Pirate Autumn 
Winter is your friend 
But when Springtime sees you 
Your life of crime will end. 


-54- 


IN MEMORY 


You are springtime blossoms 
So pink and white and fair, 

With joybells ringing in your laugh 
And sunbeams in your hair. 

You are sparkling sea foam 
That dances in its glee, 

Before the billows claim it 
To take it out to sea. 

You are yellow butterflies 
That hurry in the sun, 

To scatter sweetness everywhere 
Before the summer’s done. 

’Tis cold the wind is blowing 
Its icy breath of fear, 

But you are ever near me 
With light and love and cheer. 

So centuries may lumber on 
And time may take its cost, 

But spring and yellow butterflies 
And you, are never lost. 


-55- 


CONFIDENTIAL MOON 

Where the puny lights that men made 
Thread the sky with tinsel twine 
There’s a great red moon now rising 
Low on the horizon line 

And tonight she is accessible 
She’s coming to my reach 
I’ll pat her shining golden cheek 
A soft red peach 

For usually she rides along 
With golden coach and train 
And when I gaze admiringly 
She treats me with disdain 

Tonight her flashing signals say 
“You’ll know the answers soon 
To all of Heaven’s mysteries” 

And signs herself—Your Moon. 


-56- 


NEW YEAR’S DAY 

Today a door swings open 
From mystic shades of night 

The New Year softly enters in, 

He holds a torch of light. 

Its flickering flame casts shadows 
Enlarged upon the wall. 

Portentous of we know not what. 

They weirdly rise and fall. 

I fear these grotesque shadows 
Until their source I trace, 

And find the flame illumines 
A radiant angel face. 

The gift he always brings is hope 
And faith to conquer fear 

Of unknown things, so with these gifts 
I greet the glad New Year. 


-57- 


WITHIN THE HEART OF MOUNTAINS 


Within the heart of mountains 
We watched the autumn day 
Unfold its wings of brightness 
And scatter golden spray. 


Into the blue of waters 
To lie in their embrace. 

On yesterday-Beloved, 

We found joy every place. 


Within the heart of mountains, 
All nature was so fair. 

Like oriental maidens 
Veiled in their dusky hair. 


The hills lay veiled in distance 
In misty, hazy blue. 

And in their pungent beauty 
I caught a smile from you. 


As rivers caught the sunbeams, 

I held its happy ray 
I found the world-Beloved, 
Was joyous, yesterday. 

Within the heart of mountains, 
You’ll find some memories 
A little dream child singing 
Forgotten melodies. 


-58 - 


Where ways lead down to duty 
I left them in the hills. 

Why rob them of their beauty 
Where routine blights and kills? 

Within the heart of mountains, 

If ever you should see 
My dream, my song, my memory, 
Just kiss them once for me. 


YOUR PROMISE 

I stand on the edge of the Universe, 

Beneath is a turbulent tide. 

The star gleams are dimmed by the distance 
And all else is darkened beside. 

I stand on the edge of the Universe, 

My poor hands are shackled with fear, 

You promised me you would be waiting, 

Let me feel that your spirit is near. 

I cry lest I fall to the waters, 

I look at that far distant star. 

Beloved I call, can you hear me 
And come from wherever you are? 


-59- 


SEASONABLE 


I want to be a gypsy, 

To wander, free from care, 

When summer sun is shining 
And all the world is fair. 

Pd like to be a pirate, 

Or something bad and bold, 
When Autumn days are gleaming 
With sparkling red and gold. 

But with the stormy winter, 

I seek a homey nook. 

I find I grow domestic 
And have a yen to cook. 

I bake a flock of doughnuts 
And spicy pumpkin pies. 

I smother steak in onions 
Beneath the wintry skies. 

I pack away in tissue 
My little gypsy prayer 
I fold its gauzy winglets 
And wrap them up with care. 

For now those dreams seem silly. 
But sure as anything 
Pll shake them out in brightness 
And want them back in Spring. 


-60- 


RACES 


Races—Races 

Rows of faces 

Try to pick a horse to win; 

Bugle calls, 

From their stalls 

Steeds are nimbly prancing in. 

Number One 
Just for fun 

I believe that I shall bet; 
Then again, 

Number Ten 

Is a lovely looking pet. 

At the post 

I won’t boast 

But I think that I can see 

How to pick it, 

Buy my ticket 

On the nose for number Three. 

They are off 
And I scoff 

For my horse leads by a neck 
“Come on Three 
Win for me 

Gee! I am a nervous wreck.” 


-61 - 


At the bend 
Near the end 

“Come on baby step some more 
Keep the pace” 

Now the race 

Has been won by number Four. 

Well! I never! 

Who would ever 

Bet on such a looking nag! 

Good-bye money 
Come on Honey 
Put a winner in the bag. 

Races—Races 
Love the places 

Where you bet and shout and swear 
Lose your shirt, 

Guzzle dirt, 

But you’ll always find me there. 


-62- 


MOTHER AUTUMN 

Mother Autumn comes to town 
In a russet checkered gown 
In her ample apron folds 
A wealth of colorings she holds 
Calls to fairies and to elves 
Tells them to bestir themselves 
Paint the apple’s cheeks with red 
Purple grapes that hang overhead 
Gild the pumpkin, tint the peach 
And color everything in reach 
Then what paints remaining still 
O’er the flower gardens spill 
Blossoms there will help themselves 
And ape the handwork of the elves 
Red leaves slowly flutter down 
When Mother Autumn comes to town. 


- 63 - 


FOURSOME OF BRIDGE 


The telephone rings and I gladly exclaim 
“Why yes, Mrs. K. we would sure like a game, 

You come over here for the maid’s out today.” 

I snatch the dessert and I put it away 
And Junior is forced from the table in high 
Because he insisted on his piece of pie. 

Arriving that evening, our greetings we say 
Then drag out equipment and start in to play, 

You pray for some honors like kings and some aces 
But cards like the mumps will just break out in places. 

And brutally frank is each husband and wife 
And often you get a review of their life. 

If you can finesse, then, “Your head’s on the level” 

But if it won’t work “You’re as dumb as the devil,” 
You bid “one” in clubs when it should be “no trump,” 
And somebody calls you a thick headed chump, 

Then on with the row—’til a keen sense of humor 
Will side-track the subject to Mrs. M’s tumor. 

We lunch off of sandwiches, builded in haste 
And pie that I tell them I made for their taste. 

We wish them “goodnight” and the pretty things say, 
Then hubby will murmur in husbandly way 
While locking the doors after ousting the cat, 

“I wish you would learn to play bridge,” and that’s that. 


- 64 - 


JEALOUSLY 

Today I saw a lovely maid, 

Did I love beauty less. 

I know that I should hate her for 
That very loveliness. 

For yesterday those eyes of blue, 
Above a rosy gown, 

They stole my lover’s heart away, 
And Oh! my eyes are brown. 

I am so very lonely now 
I don’t know what to do, 

For all the wisdom of the world 
Cannot make brown eyes blue. 


- 65 - 


ZENITH 

Summon the moments and bid them wait 
Upon my each desire 
Tonight I wear my robes of state 
And the rubies of passion fire 

I dine upon sea-dew and white dove’s breast 
I sip of a pale blossom wine 
In the arms of my lover I sink to rest 
For tonight is all that is mine 

Time will not serve me tomorrow 
Then I shall the servant be 
But tonight I am queen without sorrow 
Because my beloved loves me. 


- 66 - 


THE ISLE OF DELIGHT 


“The Isle of Delight” in morning sun 
Is gleaming green and blue. 

When simple folk their tasks begun 
I greet the day with you. 

From rays of light on golden seas 
The sands shine at our feet, 

But leafy arms of mighty trees 
Will break the noon-time heat. 

And there—the amber afternoon 
Is fabric of dreams come true. 

As filmy wings unfold to June 
My heart unfolds to you. 

Then when the sun in westward flight 
Kisses the wavelets gay, 

They dimple and blush in rosy light 
And form a rainbow way, 

That melts in purple and velvet blue. 

While shadowy twilight bars 

Are falling across the gates of day, 

All set with a million stars. 

And the lock on them is the brassy moon; 
But day outlives the night 
While I have you and memory 
In the Island of Delight. 


- 67 - 


DISAPPOINTMENT 


The land of disappointment 
Is a steep and rugged isle, 

Where feet are apt to stumble 
You find it hard to smile. 

Where eyes are growing heavy 
And hearts are weighed with fears 
For angry tides surrounding 
Are salty, like your tears. 

But once you climb its steepness 
And reach the top alone, 

You find your way is smoother, 

Or else you’ve stronger grown. 

And there, the gem of courage 
Is buried in its slope 
The brave alone can find it 
And see its rays of hope. 

Its light will guide you onward 
You sail away with ease, 

And looking back, the island 
Is a mirage of the seas. 


-68 - 


IN A TAXICAB 

When I can call a taxicab 
Upon a rainy day, 

Relax against its cushioned seat, 
Forgetting what I pay. 

When I can buy a red, red rose 
Because I love it so, 

Nor be disturbed by any thought 
About the debts I owe— 

When I can buy a velvet gown 
Nor ever ask the price, 

Just look a trifle bored and say, 

“I think it’s rather nice—” 

Well, that’s the day for which I wait 
The day Pm longing for. 

If that day ever comes to me, 

Then I’ll want something more. 


- 69 - 


PESTS 

Mosquitoes—the bane of existence 

In vain do I offer resistance 

I use citranella 

It might be vanilla 

For all it can check their persistence. 

That day when the world was created 
The Devil, a little belated 
Just sneered at the scene 
Of blossoming green 

And hissed through his teeth, “Pm frustrated” 

Now he was a devilish prince 
He drew up his brow, like a prince 
From the dust of his horn 
The Mosquito was born 
To pester mankind, ever since. 


- 70 - 


THE FLU 


I knew not much of sickness 
I was a healthy beast 
And in this fermentation 
I was some cake of yeast. 

But one day, over-tired, 

I met up with a germ; 

He made me his headquarters 
And knocked me for a term. 

At first I struggled madly 
For I could never see 
How this world could be turning 
Without some help from me. 

But, racked with cough and sneezing 
With chills and fever, too, 

I soon sank back quite weakly 
To have a spell of “Flu.” 

And when the worst was over 
Then I could plainly see 
How small my circling pathway 
And felt humility. 

More calmly now I go my way 
My vision is more true 
Nor feel so big a cake of yeast 
Since I have had the “Flu.” 


-71 - 


FLOWER FANTASY 


The Larkspurs went out for a lark 
One night when the garden was dark; 
The Snap-dragons started to snap 
We’d like to, at least have a nap. 

They called for the Thistle 
Who blew on his whistle 
And put an end to the scrap. 

Forget-me-not, little but mighty, 

Arose from his bed in his nighty, 

With wrath he was blue in the face 
As he shouted, “This is a disgrace 
When flower folk need beauty sleep 
Such racket and uproar to keep.” 

And he, in turn, wakened the daisy 
Who said the whole garden was crazy. 
Now Four-o’clock called, “Sleepy heads 
Go back to your soft downy beds, 

But I shall stay up in the warm night 
Enjoying the silvery star light, 

Get drunk on the wine of the Dew-drop 
At four in the morning I, too, flop. 


- 72 - 


Just then the Cockscomb crew for morn; 
A buttercup looked up forlorn, 

“It’s little sleep I’ll get 

With Canterbury bells a-swinging, 

And Blue-bells start their ringing.” 

Up jumped a violet. 

Slowly the garden took on order 
Row on row right to the border; 

Who would think to see them thus 
They had ever had a fuss? 


IS LIVING WORTH THE WHILE? 

A rose of white 
In sunlight bright 
A stream that ripples by 
A friend that’s true 
To laugh with you 
Or share a tender sigh. 

A melody 
Of Ecstasy 

A tear and then a smile, 

A finished task 

Then dare to ask 

Is living worth the while? 


- 73 - 


THE FISHERMAN 


With reel and rod and rod and line 
He practised fishing lore, 

He learned to bait, to hook, to catch 
By practising on shore. 

He sailed away at early dawn, 
Professional in art, 

A fishy gleam was in his eyes 
And murder in his heart. 


He left the shore in a motor boat 
Put!—Put!—he sailed away 
We heaved a sigh for some poor fish 
But we had to dine that day. 


We scoured up the frying pan 
We set the largest dish 
We sharpened up our appetites 
For several kinds of fish. 


And when at last with eventide 
He fetched the fish he’d caught 
With reel and rod, and rod and line. 
But where? We vainly sought. 

Until at last we found the catch 
Believe it or not, it’s true 
That fisherman the cradle robbed 
Of baby fish, had two. 


- 74 - 


So much for reel and rod and lines 
Expense of which was sin 
When fish that size could sure be caught 
With an angle worm and pin. 


SONNET 

CONTENTMENT 

I strive to pass my days in sweet contentment, 
Remembering how fair its grace can be, 

But always springs within me strong resentment 
For petty things that bind and fetter me 
I would be sailing on an ocean steamer, 

Or following some lonely forest trail. 

Perhaps to find the romance of a dreamer, 
Perhaps to know the friend who will not fail. 

I would be climbing heights of misty mountains 
In hope to find a view that none have seen 
I would be watching wanton play of fountains 
And lose myself within their rainbow’s sheen. 

Yet I must find contentment—I am told 
But if I do—Then I am growing old. 


- 75 - 


THE DOCTOR 


The dreary night a child is ill 
You wait the dawning light 
To call the Doctor, that his skill 
May help to set things right. 


To tell you why that little face 
Is feverish and red; 

To tell you why he lisps, “Pm sick” 
And holds his curly head. 


For precious is the little form 
That holds a heart of gold 
A mind of fragrant flower stuff, 
Beginning to unfold. 


And like the dews of early dawn 
Responds to every light. 

A child should never know the pain 
Of sickness in the night. 


The Doctor comes in mercy’s part 
You watch with tightened breath; 
He listens to the little heart 
While you have thoughts of death. 


Until he turns in kindliness 
His words bring comfort true 
“The chap has taken cold,” he says, 
“But soon will be like new.” 


- 76 - 


You run for a glass of water, 
Your heart is singing praise 
To God and all his angels 
For many happy days. 

You’ll hear his childish wisdom, 
And gone will be the night. 

And then you bless the Doctor 
Who came to set things right; 

Who gave his skill and lifetime 
Increasing human power 
To conquer pain and illness 
And in that dreary hour, 

When Nature’s laws are broken, 
And punishment severe 
Is meted out, the Doctor 
Is God’s own angel here. 


- 77 - 


CHILDHOOD MAGIC 


I knew a magic garden plot 

That God remembered—man forgot, 

And there it was my happy lot 
To have my childish fling, 

To dig for treasure in the earth, 

To dream sweet dreams, and give them birth 
Like silver bubbles filled with mirth. 

Oh! ’twas a joyous thing 
To search the garden all alone, 

To find a many-colored stone, 

And there among the grasses grown 
To draw a fairy ring; 

Then later, when the moon was bright, 

To creep outdoors into the night 

And, though my knees were weak with fright, 

Pd have a lovely view 

Of little fairy folk that pass 

Nor bend a single blade of grass, 

So small their chariots of glass, 

So much like drops of dew. 

And I, by leaning very near, 

Sometimes a tinkling sound could hear 
Of fairy laughter, sweet and clear, 

But I would never dare 
To linger long, for fear they’d see 
A mortal there, and punish me 
By magic spell or witchery; 

And so, with greatest care, 

I’d tiptoe softly o’er the green 
Back to bed again to dream 
Of moonlit gardens fair. 


- 78 - 


But I have lost my colored stone 
And with the years have older grown 
And now feel weary when alone. 

I wish that I could be 

Back in that garden plot in June 

A fairy ring beneath the moon, 

To draw and hear a fairy tune 
Within the Heart of me. 


THE RAINBOW 

It’s near the gates of heaven 

Where many pass within 

And doors are open often to the light, 

That all the steps of angels 

Have worn the sky so thin, 

That glory penetrates to mortal sight. 

When clouds that float near heaven 
Have lost their weight in storm 
And all the air is clarified by rain, 

It’s then that heaven’s colors 

In harmony of form 

Will blend into a rainbow once again. 


- 79 - 


BOY HEART 

Boy heart—Joy heart 
Whence that Springtime gleam? 
From a world of Make Believe 
In a rainbow dream? 

Child heart—Wild heart 
Toss a golden ball 
In the clouds, then run away 
Lest they let it fall. 

Dear heart—Near heart 
I would read your eyes 
Symbols there of mystic things 
From some stranger skies. 

Boy heart—Joy heart 
Old am I, and scared 
I would gladly follow you 
To joyland—if I dared. 


- 80 - 


CINQUAINS 


Red Moon 


Red Moon, 

You blaze your trail 
Through tangled woods of night 
You climb moon mountains where you build 
Campfires. 


Indian Summer 


Bared trees 
Prepared for cold, 

Reflect a summer sun. 

New blooms spring up from sleeping roots 
And smile 


Twilight 


Twilight 
Is a caravan 

That winds across the sands of day 
And casts long shadows 
Where beasts pass 
Dream-laden. 


-81 - 


FATE 


I go the way my forebears planned for me 
And walk with hope to some eternity. 


You offer me the wine of life 
In awkward hands you spill it 
I cried to you in anguished woe 
There is no more to fill it 

I drank of that half portion 
I sighed for joy in vain 
The part you spilled was happiness 
The part I drank was pain. 


The wind laid cold fingers upon me 
And bent me to his wild will 
I was not afraid of his anger 
I trembled, but only for chill 

For once in the sun’s mellow glowing 
My poor heart was broken, until 
I learned it is hate that can frighten 
But Love has the power to kill. 


- 82 - 




AFTERWARDS 

The last slow step has sounded in the hall, 

The rented chairs are gone and now the call 
Of duty tells me I must fill this space, 

And move the things to their accustomed place. 
I stoop to pick a rose leaf from the floor, 

I open both the windows and the door, 

For ghosts of dying flowers linger near, 

Their heavy fragrance chokes my heart with fear. 
Then, when I go to place a single chair 
I find the spot is far too hallowed, where 
The coffin rested—Does an angel smile 
In tenderness, because I wait a while? 


- 83 - 


DOWN A SUMMER HIGHWAY 

Down a summer highway 

Your way ran with my way 

Harvest fields and hills of mottled green 

Hands that clasped so tightly 

Loving—laughing lightly 

You a king and I your giddy queen. 

All the world completeness 

Pirates we of sweetness 

Stealing kisses far beyond a price 

Down a gypsy highway 

Down a tiypsy by-way 

Climbing from the vales to Paradise. 

I desert the sure way 

Making my way your way 

Past the town and lily-studded lake 

Down a crazy highway 

Path of daisy by-way 

I will go with you for Love’s sweet sake. 


- 84 - 


GROWTH OF MUSIC 


Out of those savage emotions 
Pulsing from barbaric beat 
Rising through church’s restrictions 
Laughing in songs of the street 

Music has flourished to science 
Measured and patterned by name 
Great souls have found inspiration 
Growing their wings at its flame 

Guido to Wagner the sparks fell 
Causing a great conflagration 
Troubadours, Minstrels and Prophets 
Carried its song to all nations 

Music, thou child of Euterpe, 

Where will your torches extend? 

On to the songs of the planets 
Forever and never to end? 

Out of the opera and Anthem 
Up from our Jazz swinging beat 
Yours is the flame to illumine 
Where the now and eternity meet. 


- 85 - 


ACROSS THE WATER 


Often at night I awake to the cries 

From over the sea, when a soldier boy dies 

And all the great ocean cannot still the sound 

It pierces the sky and it vibrates the ground 

While winds of the night start to moan and to mutter 

As sighing great sighs they grasp at my shutter 

Even the stars seem to weep over head 

That a soldier boy, young and so valiant is dead. 


THE FINAL DECISION 

If I had the power, divinely 

To give you the stars or the moon 
Pd give you a part you could play in the band 
And teach you to play it in tune 
For Life has its meaningful theme song 
And if from the very back seat 
You only embellish the singing 
With a slow and methodical beat 
But do it with care and precision 
With joy of a song well begun 
You’ll find that the final decision , 

Will give you—your place in the sun. 


- 86 - 


TO JUDITH 

Life at its dawning, all sparkling and new 
Streamers of sunrise and bird-songs brought you 
Bright little jewel to set in my ring 
Of Life and of Love and of every good thing 

Tiny pink hands like the tendrils of vine 
Reach for assurance—here, darling, take mine. 
Roughened by labour, but wise in earth-ways 
May they prove helpful in your childhood days 

Little bright eyes where some star-points still shine 
You are the babe of a baby of mine 
Making you two-fold as precious, my dear 
Kissing your feet, let me welcome you here. 



- 87 - 


WEARINESS 

The temple bells are ringing 
Across a sea of sleep 
Red poppy-dust is floating 
While I am sinking deep 
Into a maze of slumber 
Into a swans-down quilt 
While crumbling all around me 
Day towers I have built. 

Soft padded bells are tolling 
Monotonous and slow 
Upon a sea of circles 
The reeling tide ebbs low. 

The temple bells are silent 
The temple dome is white 
Anaemic shades approaching 
Will bear me through the night. 


- 88 - 





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